Assam Police Arrests Three Alleged Members of Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell Network
In a coordinated operation on July 24, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, along with district police from Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta, arrested three individuals suspected of being members of the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a Pakistan-based group allegedly linked to anti-India activities.
The arrested persons have been identified as Akramul Islam (26) of Beparipara in Dhubri district, Aminur Rahman (22) of Panbari in Chirang district, and Abdul Hussain (54) of Dabandia in Barpeta district. They were taken into custody in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, following specific intelligence inputs, police said.
According to investigators, the Shahzad Bhatti Network is an alleged terror-criminal outfit based in Pakistan that engages in recruiting operatives, online radicalisation, reconnaissance of potential targets, anti-India propaganda, logistical support, espionage, illegal procurement of arms, creation of sleeper cells, and facilitation of terrorist activities across India. The network is also accused of maintaining links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and receiving directions from anti-India elements based in Pakistan, police claimed.
Police further alleged that the network has ties with several extremist organisations, including the Khalistan Armed Force (KAF), Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA), Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Sher-e-Punjab Brigade (SPB), United Sikh Brotherhood (USB), Sikh Tigers of Khalistan (STK) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH). Investigators noted that TTH had earlier claimed responsibility for the killings of two Punjab Police personnel in separate incidents on February 22 and May 24, 2026.
The presence of the SBN in Assam first came to light during an investigation in Nalbari district on May 22, 2026, when an alleged SBN operative was arrested, police said.
During the operation, authorities seized five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards, and other documents believed to be linked to the investigation.
Special Task Force Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Pegu stated: “We received specific intelligence inputs about sabotage plans and anti-national activities allegedly being organised by the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, which is attempting to establish sleeper cells in India. The network initially began its activities in Punjab, Haryana and other parts of the country. During 2026, its activities in Assam and the Northeast came to our notice. Acting on our inputs, the STF launched simultaneous operations yesterday in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta, leading to the arrest of three alleged members of the network. The network is based in Pakistan and is allegedly funded from there.”
The arrests mark a significant development in counter-terrorism efforts in the region, though the accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Investigations are ongoing.
